Buying the Best

Most seasoned stampers have been through the following -- when we first discovered stamping, we didn't know much about supplies, so we bought the cheapest of everything we could find -- the $10 paper trimmer, cheap scissors, tons of stamps, inks, and paper. No rhyme or reason to our purchases. Then we quickly figure out that the glue doesn't last, the paper doesn't cut straight, and we buy the "next" level up. Now it's time for the $50 paper trimmer, a different kind of glue or tape, etc. Eventually, we've bought a lot of stuff and still aren't very happy. I've come to the conclusion that a good rule of thumb is to wait when a new product hits the market, and then buy the best out there. I went through 4 (!) paper trimmers before I plunked down over $250 for the Genesis Paper trimmer. The 4 trimmers together cost more than the Genesis. If I had just bought the best first, I would have saved a lot of money. I've had the same experience with adhesives. How many types have you bought? My first was a $12 jar of YES glue. Ugh. So hard to use and messy. Then I used Scotch double sided tape. Doesn't stick real well -- especially in a humid climate -- and is too wide. Also, when you are making a lot of cards, it is slow going. Of coures I bought SNAIL from SU -- again, doesn't stick too well. After that, I jumped on the mono mulit tombow glue bandwagon. Not bad, but also messy -- I've ruined some cards when the glue was too close to the edge and oozed out. Not a pretty picture. This product is still worth it for some uses, but generally I'm not a big fan of it. So, I finally spent the money on the 3M ATG 714 glue gun. Gee, I felt like I needed a permit before buying this thing. It is awfully big, but fabulous. Wish I had spent the $40 or so years ago!! I could say the same thing about other products as well. My point is from now on I'm waiting, researching, and then buying the best out there. I think I'll save money in the long run.